The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-05
THERE is DANGER AHEAD
A Scientists Warning of Diseases That
Are Now Likely to Become Epidemic.
His Explanation of the Dread Effects of the
Drought Simple and Easy Precaution
Against the Threatened Danger.

The extraordinary drought and the incon-
veniences 1t has oceasioned, have been endured
SO long that people have almost become recon
ciled to them, but if the scientific theories laid
before Journal reporter yesterday are correct,
and they certainly seem very reasonable, the
trouble has only begun. In conversation yes
terday, Professor Colett, SO wellknown in con-
neetion with scientific work IN this State,
said: sYou have had great deal in the
papers about the low stage of the Ohio and
Wabash rivers and their ailments the failure of
wells and springs. the farmers being compelled
to dr We their stock long distances for water the
railroads running water-trains. and the failure
OF crops-especially the grass crops. which is the
great money-produeing crop of Indiana; but do
you know that these things minor considera-
sions compared with the sufferings that will be
experienced in consequence Of this drought
within the next six or eight months2"
No, sir, do not" said the reporter. II
don't see how there can well be any further in
jury to the crops"
II do not mean that; but you will find that
older persons, who recollect the droughts of
1850. 1852. 1856 and other years. will recall that
each of these was followed by epidenics of the
most virulens types of typhoid fever, cerebro-
spinal meningitis, cold plague lung fever, di-
arrhoea and bloody fux all over this region of
country, and these what will follow now
unless the people take warning and use pre-
ventive measures
What connection is there between the
drought and any such epidemics7n
"A very intimate one. The soil or surface
covering OF northern Indiana, Ohio and Illinois
Is composed OF glacial drift and modified bowl
DER clay. These contain the most obdurate
rocks OF the strata north Of here, leaving iron
pyrites. copper pyrites. and some arsenic The
southern portion of the State, the bare rock re-
Kion, has a soil largely composed of coal meas
ure rocks. which contain great quantities of iron
pyrites and sulphuret of arsenic These minerals
are 1nsoluble in water when protected from
air, out protracted drought exposes them to
the alternate action Of air and water
The pyrites decomposs and form sulphates which
are soluble 10 water, and which for short periods
OF use are not Injurious, but oy long cause
Inflammation of the stomach and bowels and
result in the diseases mentioned. Again. the
surface earth is filed with worms, bugs, eggs
and other animal life, which, when protected
from the air, as ordinarily. not only live but
s ,s the condition of the soil. A
the tender roots of grass, plants and
trees. and this mass OF rotting mat
ter. taken mp by the water when the rain be-
CINE to fall again. is carried to the water con-
QUITS and fills the sources of the water supply i
with organic matter which invariably produces
~ pnolo fever. 10 resist disease must be /
in healthy condition and with a good diges- |
tion. When the functions OF any part are |
weakened the vitality is lessened and the man |
Or animal cannot resist attacks from outside |
sources. Hence, when communities are ex- |
posed to weakening causes these diseases be- |
come epidemic"
Have there been any instances Of such re-
suits OF late years.
Yes, sir. There have been records of death
and desolation among men and animals IN large
regions of country. Western Virginia and
eastern Kentucky are sections where situations
are similar TO our own, where such horrors
have followed such droughts in recent years I
am no alarmist, but say this danger is immi-
nent Is 10 almost upon US.
rs there any method by which it can be
avoidedw
Certainly; by using pure water for drinking
hain water should be obtained far as possible |
Inc head of every household should take care |
tnae TO the greatest possible sxtent ordinary
spring. river. and we'll water be not used until |
IL has been filtered and boiled; boiling is an al
most certain preventive. L is easily done,
and to neglect it Is inviting death into the house
hold and prepering for fat grave-yards during
The coming winter"
Does your objection apply to all the water
"a use In Indianapolis9'
NO / make exception of the deep driven
wells OF this vicinity which penetrate to the
second water level, below the glacial drift"
How ABOUT the watsr-works watsr2"
Analyses OF that water heretofore made have
shown 1t to be of good character, but the condi-
IONS now are not the same when those analy-
yes wsre made and they will net be the same
or some months. believe 10 would be found |
% contain more Impurities now than then. The |
greatest danger, however, is from the surface
Wells There are portions OF this city where
believe there will be very heavy fatality un-
ess precautionary measures are taken"